The Scarlet Empress (1934)

Philip Sleeman: Count Lestoq

Quotes 

• Elizabeth's Lady-in-Waiting : Have you noticed, Your Majesty, how the imperial duckling resembles his father?

  Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Hush, hush, enough of this. Now, you keep an eye on him. I don't want anyone to go near him unless I know about it, not even his mother. I had enough trouble getting him. If he catches cold or sniffles just once, I'll have you hung by the ears! If he coughs, I'll have you cut in half! And if anyone touches him, I'll have you shot!

  Count Lestoq : Your Imperial Majesty, I beg of you not to become excited. You've been ill for weeks, and this turmoil will weaken you.

  Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Don't any of you think I'll give you the pleasure of seeing me die. I'll outlive all of you, you sinister buzzards. All of you!

• Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : This is the Order of Saint Catherine. May you both wear it in good health, and be careful it doesn't scratch you.

  [to Count Alexei] 

  Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Don't stand around here doing nothing. Pin this on Catherine.

  [to Princess Johanna] 

  Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Get up.

  [to the Chancellor] 

  Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : What do you think of Catherine?

  Chancelor Alexei Bestuchef : I can only admire your judgment, Your Imperial Majesty.

  Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : That's the chancellor. Steals more money from me in a week than I can collect in taxes in a year. Doctor, come here! What do you think of my taste in women, Doctor? Looks healthy, doesn't she? Just what we need to breed sons for Russia.

  Count Lestoq : With your permission, Your Highness.

  [He raises Catherine's arms and puts his ear to her chest] 

  Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : How was the journey, comfortable?

  Princess Sophia Frederica : Yes, Your Majesty.

  Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Are you happy to be here?

  Princess Sophia Frederica : Yes, Your Majesty.

  Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Are you going to love your new country?

  Princess Sophia Frederica : Yes, Your Majesty.

  Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Do you promise to be a loyal subject?

  Princess Sophia Frederica : Yes, Your Majesty.

  Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : And don't make too many new friends, and no intrigue and gossip. I have my hands full now.

  Count Lestoq : [He emerges from beneath Catherine's cape without his wig]  Perfect, Your Imperial Majesty. She will give us no trouble.

  [Catherine hands him his wig] 

  Count Lestoq : Your Highness.

  Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Someday I'll have every doctor thrown out of the country. And now, Catherine, before you go to your rooms, is there any wish I can grant you?

  Princess Sophia Frederica : I would like to see the grand duke.

  Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : [Grand Duke Peter enters with his entourage]  That's a fine way to receive your bride. I suppose you had more important things to do. I told you to be here on time. Now go on! Kiss each other!

  [He kisses Catherine] 

  Empress Elizabeth Petrovna : Now remember, Catherine, the first child must be a boy. That's why we had you brought here - to provide Russia with an heir to the throne. A fine, bouncing, healthy heir. You understand me, Catherine?